U.S. and Houthi Rebels Promise Escalation Following Airstrikes in Yemen
The U.S. and Houthi rebels have vowed escalation following U.S. airstrikes that killed at least 53 in Yemen. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated military actions would continue until Houthi capabilities are diminished. Former President Trump announced intent to use overwhelming force, linking the Houthis’ actions to Iranian influence. Houthi leadership promised to escalate in response to U.S. strikes amid ongoing humanitarian crises.
In recent developments, the United States and Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have both declared intentions to escalate following U.S. airstrikes aimed at deterring Houthi attacks on military and commercial vessels in critical global shipping lanes. The Houthi-run Health Ministry reported significant casualties, claiming that at least 53 individuals, including five women and two children, were killed, with nearly 100 others wounded in the cities of Sanaa and Saada, the latter being a Houthi stronghold.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the necessity of curbing the Houthis’ control over shipping lanes, stating that military actions will persist until the rebels are incapable of such interference. He underscored that the Biden administration’s recent strikes differ fundamentally from previous retaliatory actions taken against Houthi provocations.
Former President Donald Trump echoed similar sentiments, asserting that the U.S. would employ “overwhelming lethal force” against the Houthis, demanding accountability from Tehran for its involvement. The Houthis have engaged in multiple attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea, stating these actions symbolize solidarity with Palestinians amid ongoing conflicts with Israel.
Following a brief cessation of Houthi attacks after a ceasefire in January, the rebels announced their intention to resume strikes against Israeli vessels due to Israel’s humanitarian aid blockade. Although no new Houthi attacks have been confirmed since, the recent airstrikes mark a significant U.S. military response amid the ongoing Gaza conflict that resurged in October 2023.
Trump’s national security adviser, Michael Waltz, reported that the airstrikes targeted and eliminated several Houthi leaders, though he did not disclose their identities or provide supporting evidence. Rubio noted that some Houthi military infrastructure was damaged during these strikes. The Houthi leadership has since reiterated their resolve to respond to U.S. actions with further escalation.
Claims from the Houthis of missile and drone strikes on the USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group were dismissed by U.S. officials who stated they were not monitoring such incidents. Meanwhile, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ spokesperson urged all parties to exercise restraint and cease hostilities, highlighting the already critical humanitarian conditions in Yemen.
Rubio mentioned that in the preceding 18 months, there have been 174 direct Houthi attacks against the U.S. Navy and 145 attacks on commercial vessels with advanced weaponry, indicating a serious level of conflict. General Hossein Salami of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard denied any Iranian involvement in Houthi operations, asserting that Iran does not dictate the military policies of allied militant groups.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized the U.S., calling for an end to the airstrikes and challenging the notion that the U.S. can dictate Iran’s foreign policy. Historically, the U.S. has accused Iran of supplying military support to the Houthis, corroborated by the U.S. Navy’s seizures of Iranian weaponry intended for the rebels. The recent airstrikes represent the U.S.’s first direct military action against the Houthis under Trump’s second administration, supported by naval forces including the USS Harry S. Truman and additional vessels in the Red Sea region.
In summary, the conflict between the U.S. and Houthi rebels in Yemen has intensified following recent airstrikes by the U.S. intended to disrupt Houthi aggression in key shipping corridors. The Houthis have vowed to respond to U.S. actions, escalating the situation further. Both the U.S. government and the Houthis have exchanged strong rhetoric signaling ongoing conflict, thus highlighting the significant humanitarian and geopolitical implications of the situation in Yemen.
Original Source: globalnews.ca
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